Biography
Michael Theophilus Johnson, known as Mikey Spice, was born on July 21, 1965, in Kingston, Jamaica. He began his musical journey singing in his father's church at age seven and by 13 had mastered instruments including guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, piano, saxophone, flute, harp, and clarinet, eventually becoming proficient in 22 instruments.[1][2][3] His early career involved performing with various bands, where his soulful voice drew comparisons to Lou Rawls, before launching a solo reggae path in 1985.[1][2]
Mikey Spice rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like his 1995 debut album Happiness and the Barry White cover Practice What You Preach, earning best new artist and song of the year awards in 1995, plus number-one status in Miami and London.[1][2] He delivered standout performances at Reggae Sunsplash in 1993 and Sting, sharing stages with icons like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, and Freddie McGregor, while also producing tracks such as More Than Wonderful and the album Harder Than Before (VP Records, 2000).[1][2] His style blends conscious roots reggae, lovers rock, and R&B elements.[2]
Despite a decorated career with albums like Walk A Mile (2008) and I Am I Said (2014), Mikey Spice remains underrecognized today, though his multi-instrumentalist talents and enduring hits continue to influence reggae fans worldwide.[1][2]
Fun Facts
- Known as the 'one man band' of reggae for his proficiency in 22 instruments.[1]
- Voted best new artist and song of the year in 1995, with number-one hits in Miami for three months and in London.[1]
- Performed at 1993 Reggae Sunsplash and Sting alongside reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown.[1]
- Produced his own tracks including More Than Wonderful, I'm So Lonely, and the album Harder Than Before.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lou Rawls - Stylistic vocal influence (Voice comparisons in early career reviews) [1980s-1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Luciano - Duet recording (Let's Work It Out (Big Ship, 1994)) [1994]
- Tony Rebel - Single collaboration (Who You Are / Acting Like Strangers (Roof International, 1992)) [1992]
- Frankie Paul - Single collaboration (One Last Memory (Digital Eclipse, 1996)) [1996]
- Shaggy - Featured artist on single (Shake Your Boody (Greensleeves Records, 1996)) [1996]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| I Am I Said | 2014-04-01 | Album |
| Walk A Mile | 2008 | Album |
| Born Again | 2006-09-05 | Album |
| Happiness | 2006-02-01 | Album |
| I Am I Said | 2014-04-01 | Album |
| Are You Ready | 2020-02-14 | Album |
| Love By You (Original) | 2009-03-15 | Album |
| Twice as Nice Vol. 2 | 2005-02-22 | Album |
| Jah Lifted Me | 1997 | Album |
| Reggae Max: Mikey Spice | 1997 | Album |
| Close the Door | 2017-05-08 | Album |
| Reggae Greats: Frankie Paul, Mikey Spice & Richie Stephens | 2021-07-30 | Album |
| Are You Ready | 2020-02-14 | Album |
| Slow Down | 2022-06-03 | Album |
| Twice as Nice Vol. 2 | 2005-02-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Am I Said (I Am I Said)
- Walk A Mile (Walk A Mile)
- Born Again (Born Again)
- Practice What You Preach (Happiness)
- The Power of Love (I Am I Said)
- 50 Reggae Lovers Rock Songs - Continuous Mix
- I Am I Said (I Am I Said)
- Alli Alli Ho (Twice as Nice Vol. 2)
- When You Are Lonely (Born Again)
- Loving In Your Eyes (Happiness)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
INNER CIRCLE/ MIKEY SPICE has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 23:37 | Black Santa | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |